Kentucky Route Zero Is An Original Because It Steals Widely And Freely

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Today, I’m thrilled to mark the five-year anniversary of Kentucky Route Zero! Looking back on this remarkable journey, I can’t help but reflect on its influences and the infectious enthusiasm for innovation that it’s embodied.

Kentucky Route Zero stands out from typical video games by focusing on intricate details. Its unique typewriter-style typography, succinct character descriptions amidst dialogue bursts, adventure game actions that read like stage directions, and lighting effects highlighting new stages or sets are what set it apart. The impact of these elements is felt deeply, even though the gameplay itself may not differ significantly from other adventure games. However, it offers a unique experience compared to many others due to its diverse influences, extending beyond the usual video game realm into theater, film, visual art, and radio. This is what keeps Kentucky Route Zero vibrant five years later.

As a gamer, it’s no surprise that video games tend to be a bit self-centered in their approach. Unlike paintings, movies, or books which can easily be categorized as science-fiction or romantic, video game genres like roguelike or platformer are more about defining the gaming experience rather than the content itself (though if anyone fancies writing an essay on how novels could be classified as strategy or simulation, I’d be all ears).

Often, big-budget games draw heavily from a predefined pool of influences such as Star Wars, Alien, Indiana Jones, or Lord of the Rings. This limited source material can sometimes make video games feel overly generic and unoriginal, like they’re digging deeper into an already dry well instead of connecting to something meaningful.

When big games try to pay tribute to genuine artistic legacies, it can come off as laughable at times. I mean, who could take Ghost of Tsushima’s “Kurosawa mode” seriously? It’s a fun nod, but it doesn’t always feel authentic or immersive.

As a devoted admirer, I’d say Kentucky Route Zero defies conventional gaming norms, weaving a unique blend of science fiction and magical realism akin to the works of Gabriel García Márquez and Ricardo Piglia. Its uncanny stillness and staged quality echo Bertolt Brecht’s theoretical and fictional works, setting it apart from typical video games. This distinctiveness can make it enchantingly peculiar, a trait that many video games strive to achieve but often fall short, especially for those unfamiliar with its literary influences.

KRZ doesn’t shy away from or look down on its origins in adventure games. Instead, it confidently establishes itself within the realm of video games. In bold moves, it showcases this affiliation. The initial screen of KRZ features a computer console where you can ask for “games.” It responds with “games is not real.” Later in Act 3, you interact with a massive machine that plays a variation of Colossal Cave Adventure, demonstrating the game’s pretentious side. However, it deftly combines video game elements with literature and theater without much fanfare. It seems only natural for these components to coexist. This casual integration gives KRZ ample room to delve into its unique stylistic aspects.

It’s crucial not to be taken aback by games that draw inspiration from unusual sources, as many of them can still feel unoriginal. BioShock Infinite serves as a prime example of this trend, with Disco Elysium and Signalis also making significant impacts for similar reasons. Norco faced unfair comparisons to Kentucky Route Zero due to its exploration of different Americana themes. Some people tend to overstate the originality or impact of video games, often without fully understanding the sources they’re drawing from. For instance, while Kentucky Route Zero is praised for its intellectual depth and progressive politics, it’s important to consider that these aspects alone do not make it one of the most important games ever made.

Instead of many other games, KRZ offers an extraordinary enthusiasm for exploration and originality. It doesn’t just borrow ideas from other creative works; rather, it seeks to innovate in its unique way. Each of its five acts can be seen as bold formal experiments. From the spinning wheels and roadmaps in Act I to the Huckleberry-esque ferry ride in Act IV, the game refuses to stick with a single visual style or theme. The development process was lengthy, with the complete game releasing nine years after its initial Kickstarter campaign. This could be due to its strong desire for self-reinvention.

Each separate act presents itself as something fresh and unique. Key characters come and go without reappearing, while player control and viewpoint frequently shift. Reaching Act V is when the player controls a cat exploring a tiny town. The camera rotates around a central pivot in the town center. The focal point of the camera could be on the wheel’s spoke or a tree trunk, symbolizing the core that drives this entire community. In its closing scenes, the game adopts a collective identity, focusing not on individuals, but rather on the place itself: the community.

If you look for specific keywords, you’ll discover numerous discussions seeking recommendations for films, books, and TV shows similar to Kentucky Route Zero (KRZ). Initially, this question might seem amusing, but the uniqueness of KRZ in video games is often found more commonly in other forms of media. It’s easy to criticize KRZ’s impact due to this reason. However, instead of merely reading Gabriel García Márquez, Bertolt Brecht, and John Steinbeck, I feel a sense of gratitude.

Art, as we know, borrows rather than owns. This theft is not about property rights; it’s more like a flood. Each copy still exists; many parts of yours can be found in others. It forms a network. Every act of borrowing links the pieces together, strengthening the connection.

Kentucky Route Zero (KRZ) leaves an enduring impression because it’s not just inviting you into its world, but also encouraging you to explore the world that came before it. Unlike many games that aim to immerse you in their reality or consume you, KRZ yearns to propel you towards something else, to help you see beyond its realm.

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2025-01-28 17:39